46. Son of man, set your face toward the south, preach against the south, and prophesy against the forest land of the South (the Negeb),
47. And say to the forest of the South (the Negeb), Hear the word of the Lord; Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will kindle a fire in you and it shall devour every green tree in you and every dry tree. The blazing flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be scorched by it.
48. All flesh shall see that I the Lord have kindled it; it shall not be quenched.
49. Then said I, Ah, Lord God! They are saying of me, Does he not speak in parables and make allegories?